A Unified Theory of Animal Locomotion

Roland Piquepaille writes "You probably already know that there is a master equation for all life processes based on metabolism. Now, physicists from Duke University have applied the so-called 'constructal theory' to explain how running, flying and swimming modes of locomotion are similar even if they're apparently unrelated. This single unifying physics theory explains how fast animals get from one place to another and how rapidly and forcefully they step, flap or paddle in relation to their mass. In other words, these scientists argue that the characteristics of animal shape and locomotion are predictable from physics."

Real animals only

[MarkusQ]

the characteristics of animal shape and locomotion are predictable from physics

They must be using real animals only. I know for a fact that the Pegasus's shape (to cite just one famous example) isn't predictable from physics.

--MarkusQ

Science gibberish

[Piroca]

these scientists argue that the characteristics of animal shape and locomotion are predictable from physics

I wonder who could expected the outcome to be the other way around.

Re:Swimming Fish = Flying Bird?

[Anonymous Coward]

Yes, they are the same or different. I could have told you that without a research paper.

Re:Swimming Fish = Flying Bird?

[dsanfte]

You have obviously never hooked a bird up to a tank of hydrogen. I assure you, they're quite buoyant before they explode.

Re:Swimming Fish = Flying Bird?

[BorgCopyeditor]

name a single animal that travels through a completely SOLID medium

The Horta [ericweisstein.com]?

DURR

[ClamIAm]

This single unifying physics theory explains how fast animals get from one place to another

Well if they're fast animals, and they're going from one place to another, perhaps they do it by moving quickly? Ever considered that?

Re:Roland Piquepaille

[Anonymous Coward]

In related news, scientists also discovered the unified theory behind the ratio of Roland Piquepaille accepted articles to submissions. Applying the so-called 'covetousness theory,' these scientists developed the formula describing the miraculous amount of articles from a single submitter, regardless of merit or ripped-off content. The answer, contrary to popular belief is not 42 but rather one. This ratio therefore implies that every article submitted has been and will be accepted. The reasons for this still remain unclear.

However, these same scientists are hoping to answer the latter question by applying the same theory to the variables of slashdot editor kickbacks and Roland Piquepaille advertising money. More information on this research can be found In related news, scientists also discovered the unified theory behind the ratio of Roland Piquepaille accepted articles to submissions. Applying the so-called 'covetousness theory,' these scientists developed the formula describing the miraculous amount of articles from a single submitter, regardless of merit or ripped-off content. The answer, contrary to popular belief is not 42 but rather one. This ratio therefore implies that every article submitted has been and will be accepted. The reasons for this still remain unclear.

However, these same scientists are hoping to answer the latter question by applying the same theory to the variables of slashdot editor kickbacks and Roland Piquepaille advertising money. More information on this research can be found here [slashdot.org]

Re:All fish are donuts but not all donuts are fish

[EvanED]

You need to spend less time reading topology books

Re:Science gibberish

[jackb_guppy]

I wonder who could expected the outcome to be the other way around.

Intelligent Design?

Re:Hold on a minute...

[User 956]

No, Will Wright's working on a method to procedurally generate Roland Piquepaille [blogspot.com] Slashdot submissions.

Re: Max weight on a exoskeleton

[ozmanjusri]

So my two ton exoskeleton will let me fly?

Mine does. http://stationair.cessna.com/spec_gen.chtml [cessna.com]

Re:Giant ant overlords are scientificly impossible

[corbettw]

Maybe we should worry about giant lobstermen.

Only the ones trying to practice medicine. They're all quacks.

Mythbusters 1855

[EmagGeek]

I can just see the MythBusters trying to bust or prove the myth that Bumblebees can fly - or likewise come up with a way to make a bumblebee fly.

Take that, arrogant scientists

[0xdeadbeef]

You have finally proven what God knew all along. Could a random process be self-optimizing? This is yet more proof of His infinite wisdom.